Vacuum cleaner with cleaning pad

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner has a suction nozzle, a housing connected to the suction nozzle and a suction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing. A dirt collecting receptacle is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the suction nozzle and suction fan and motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted to the housing and selectively holds a cleaning sheet for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/340,247 which was filed on Jan. 10, 2003 and is still pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a stick-type or hand-held vacuum cleanerwhich is combined with a cleaning pad having a removable cleaning sheet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stick vacuum cleaners are well known in the art. These vacuum cleanersare typically more lightweight than traditional upright cleaners andlack the driven brushrolls of traditional cleaners. The lighter weightand lack of a brushroll allows these cleaners to be more easilymanipulated by a user. They can also be employed on a wider variety ofsurfaces than traditional upright cleaners.

For example, stick vacuum cleaners are often used on non-carpeted floorsurfaces where a brushroll may damage the floor surface. The stickvacuum cleaner is also often used for surfaces with hard-to-reach areasor elevated surfaces. The lighter weight and more compact design of astick vacuum compared to a traditional upright vacuum leads to greatermaneuverability and ease of lifting.

As with any other vacuum cleaner, dirt-laden air is drawn into a stickvacuum cleaner through a nozzle by a suction that is created by asuction motor driving a suction fan or impeller. The dirt-laden airpasses into a dirt collection receptacle such as a dirt cup or filterbag. The dirt is held in the receptacle and the air is exhausted.

An alternative to the stick vacuum is the hand-held vacuum cleaner. Somehand held vacuum cleaners employ a powered rotary brush while othersmerely use a nozzle for suctioning dirt and debris from carpets, floors,and above floor surfaces.

Hand-held vacuum cleaners have become extremely popular for cleaning avariety of surfaces in homes, offices, cars or the like. They areutilized particularly for small pick up jobs or for cleaning in hard toreach places. By their nature, hand-held vacuum cleaner units arelightweight in order to enable a user to readily utilize them in placeswhere canister, upright, stick or shop-type vacuum cleaners cannot beused or are inconvenient to use.

Of course, non-powered cleaning implements are also widely known. Theyare used for removing dust, dirt and/or liquids from hard surfaces.Brooms are one example. More recently, a cleaning implement whichcomprises a handle and a cleaning pad with a removable cleaning sheethas become popular for cleaning dry surfaces. The cleaning sheetsexhibit the ability to pick up dust and debris from the surface to becleaned. Once dirty, the sheet is discarded and replaced with a cleanone. One such product is sold by Procter & Gamble under the trademarkSWIFFER™.

This product uses non-woven sheets for dry dust-type cleaning. Suchsheets typically utilize a composite of fibers where the fibers arebonded by adhesive, or are entangled in other ways. See for example U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,629,047 and 5,144,729. To provide durable wiping sheets,reinforcement means are combined with staple fibers in the form ofcontinuous filament or network structure. Such cleaning sheets maximizethe surface of the sheet and have electrostatic properties forcollecting and/or attracting particulate dirt.

However, cleaning implements that comprise a removable cleaning sheetare not able to successfully remove larger debris or particles from thesurface to be cleaned. Such debris may include animal hair or fur, dirt,sand or small pebbles brought in from outdoors, food crumbs or otherlarger particles of debris.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a cleaning product whichcombines the features of a vacuum cleaner such as a stick-type vacuumcleaner or a hand-held vacuum cleaner with a cleaning pad that comprisesa removable cleaning sheet. Accordingly, it is desirable to develop anew and improved cleaning product which would overcome the foregoingdifficulties and others and provide a cleaning pad in combination with avacuum cleaner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner. In particular, thepresent invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having a cleaning pad witha sheet attached thereto. In a first embodiment of the presentinvention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a suction nozzle, a housingconnected to the suction nozzle, a suction fan and motor assemblymounted to the housing, and a dirt collecting receptacle mounted to thehousing and in communication with the suction nozzle and the suction fanand motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted to the housingfor selectively holding a cleaning sheet for collecting dust and debrisfrom a surface to be cleaned.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thevacuum cleaner comprises a support plate selectively holding a cleaningsheet, a handle pivotally connected to the support plate, a housingmounted to one of the handle and support plate, and a suction fan andmotor assembly mounted to the housing. A dirt collecting receptacle ismounted to the housing and a suction nozzle is connected to the housing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum cleanercomprises a suction nozzle, a housing connected to the suction nozzle, asuction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing and a dirtcollecting receptacle mounted to the housing and in communication withthe suction nozzle and the suction fan and motor assembly. A handleextends from the housing for grasping to move the vacuum along a surfaceto be cleaned. A switch provides at least momentary operation of thesuction fan and motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted tothe housing for selectively holding a cleaning sheet for collecting dustand debris from the surface to be cleaned.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, acleaning device having two separate and distinct selected modes ofoperation is provided. A first mode of operation comprises suctioningdebris from a surface to be cleaned, and a second mode of operationcomprises use of a cleaning sheet to collect dust and debris from thesurface to be cleaned. The cleaning device comprises a housing, asuction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing, a dirt collectingreceptacle mounted to the housing, a suction nozzle communicating withthe suction fan and motor assembly and the dirt receptacle forperforming the first mode of operation. A support plate is pivotablymounted to the housing and selectively holds a cleaning sheet forperforming the second mode of operation.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, avacuum cleaner comprises a housing, a suction fan and motor mountedwithin the housing, a handle connected to the housing and first andsecond cleaning implements each pivotally connected to the housing. Adirt collecting receptacle is mounted to the housing and is incommunication with the suction fan and motor assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in certain components and structures,several preferred embodiments of which will be illustrated in theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is an enlarged breakaway view of a dust collection receptacle ofthe stick vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a filter bag therein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stick vacuum cleaner having a cleaningpad mounted thereto according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a support plate and a suctionnozzle of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, exploded side elevational view of the vacuumcleaner of FIG. 3 with the suction nozzle in a tilted upward position toprovide access to the cleaning sheet and a dirt cup removed;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, assembled side elevational view in cross sectionof the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 5 showing a hose extending through auniversal joint;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG.2;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the dirt cup of FIG.4;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of a lower portion ofthe vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the vacuumcleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a vacuumcleaner according to the present invention, including a pocket forholding extra cleaning sheets;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of still another embodiment of avacuum cleaner according to the present invention, with a caddy forstoring extra cleaning sheets;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a vacuumcleaner according to the present invention, having a cleaning solutiondistribution system attached thereto;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a vacuumcleaner according to the present invention, having a hand-held vacuumcleaner mounted to a conventional cleaning implement having a handle, asupport plate and a cleaning sheet;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a still further embodiment ofa vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, having a stickvacuum mounted to the conventional cleaning implement of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of attachment tabs formounting a suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 16 onto asupport plate;

FIG. 16B is a side elevational view of a battery pack for powering thevacuum cleaner of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of avacuum cleaner according to the present invention which is charged by awall-mounted charger;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a vacuumcleaner according to the present invention, including a hand-heldcleaner having a cleaning pad mounted thereto;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged front elevational view of a suction nozzle of thevacuum cleaner of FIG. 12, including a wiper blade extending therefrom;

FIG. 19A is a side elevational view of the suction nozzle of FIG. 19;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged front elevational view of a suction nozzle of thevacuum cleaner of FIG. 13, including bristle tufts extending therefrom;and

FIG. 20A is a side elevational view of the suction nozzle of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating several preferred embodiments of this invention only andnot for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner Aaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The vacuum cleaner A is illustrated to be of the stick-type and includesa suction nozzle 10, a housing 12 connected to the suction nozzle, asuction fan and motor assembly 16 (FIG. 7) which is mounted to thehousing, and a dirt collecting receptacle 18 which is also mounted tothe housing and is in communication with the suction nozzle and suctionfan and motor assembly. Referring to FIG. 1A, the dirt collectingreceptacle 18 can include a conventional filter bag 19 mounted therein,which is well known in the art and will not be described in detailherein. A support plate 20 is also connected to the housing andselectively holds a disposable cleaning sheet 30 (FIG. 10) forcollecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

The vacuum cleaner further includes a handle 40 which extends from afirst end 42 of the housing. A grip 38 extends from a distal end of thehandle. The support plate or cleaning pad member 20 can be mounted tothe housing at a housing second end 43 by a pivotable joint, such as aconventional universal joint 44, which interconnects the housing withthe support plate. As is well known, the universal joint allows thehousing and the handle to pivot along two rotational axes “b” and “c”.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 12 is mounted to afirst fork 41 of the universal joint via spaced apart and generallyparallel flanges 45, 46 of the housing. Pins 39 extend through alignedholes in the flanges 45, 46 and the fork 41 for pivotably mounting thehousing to the universal joint.

Referring to FIG. 10, the universal joint has a second fork 47 which isinterconnected with the support plate at spaced apart flanges 48, 49 ofthe support plate for pivotably securing the support plate to thehousing. The second fork 47 has a rotational axis perpendicular to theaxis of the first fork 41. Flanges 48, 49 are interconnected with fork47 via dowel pins or plugs 50 which extend through holes 51, 53 of theconnecting members and holes 57, 59 of the second rotational joint. Capsor seals 54 secure the pins 50 within the holes of the connectingmembers and joint 47. The two forks 41 and 47 can be secured to eachother along a base plate 67 thereof by conventional means, such asgluing, welding or the like, depending on the material from which theforks are made. Alternatively, the entire joint member can be of onepiece.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the support plate 20 comprises aplurality of attachment structures or slitted attachment clips 52 whichare configured to receive and retain the cleaning sheet 30 about thesupport plate during use. The clips are described in detail in U.S. Pat.No. 6,305,046, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. The clips 52 are disposed adjacent the corners of the supportplate, although these locations can be varied depending upon the sizeand shape of the support plate. The disposable cleaning sheet 30 is thusreleasably attached to the support plate using the clips 52.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the attachment structures each comprise a basetriangle 60 which is defined along two sides thereof by slits 61 whichextend through the flexible material which forms the attachmentstructures. An apex 62 of the base triangle is formed by theintersection of the slits 61. The attachment structures further includea plurality of pie wedge-shaped sections 63 having apexes 64 which meetat a substantially common point 65. This arrangement permits the piewedge-shaped sections to individually deflect relative to each otherunder finger pressure so that a portion of the sheet can be pushedthrough the top surface of the attachment structures and into a cavity(not shown) formed within the attachment structures.

As the sheet is pushed past the top surface of an attachment structureor clip 52, the apexes of the pie wedge-shaped sections and the apex ofthe base triangle can pierce and engage the sheet 30 such that the sheetis retained about the support plate during use. As is known, theattachment structures can be formed from polyethylene by injectionmolding and can be retained within the support plate by a ridge (notshown) disposed on the support plate which engages a slot disposed onthe attachment structure. While clips 52 are shown for selectivelyattaching the cleaning sheet 30 to the support plate 20, it should beappreciated that a variety of other structures can be used for the samepurpose. For example, cooperating hook and loop fasteners may beprovided on the support plate and the sheet. Also, an elastic band couldbe secured around the periphery of the sheet. The band can be smaller inits normal state than the diameter of the support plate, thus allowingthe sheet to be selectively secured to and detached from the supportplate simply by enlarging the band to fit it, and the periphery of thecleaning sheet, over the support plate.

The support plate includes a top surface 21 to which the clips 52 areattached and a bottom surface 22 (FIG. 6) around which extends thecleaning sheet 30. The bottom surface of the support plate engages atleast a portion of the cleaning sheet during use. As shown in FIG. 6,the support plate 20 has a convex shape as is described in detail inpublished U.S. Patent Application No. US2002/0050016 A1, dated May 2,2002, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 10, a bumper 24 surrounds the outside edge of the supportplate. The bumper can be made of foam, rubber, or another elastic orflexible material.

With reference again to FIG. 10, the removable cleaning sheet 30comprises a scrubbing layer 31. The scrubbing layer 31 is the portion ofthe cleaning sheet that contacts the soiled surface during cleaning. Assuch, materials useful as a scrubbing layer must be sufficiently durablethat the layer will retain its integrity during the cleaning process.For example, an electrostatic cloth or pad may be used. The sheets canbe made of polyester or polypropylene and build a negative charge asthey are rubbed over a surface. This is known in the art. Close contacttransfers electrons from the dirt to the cleaning sheet, increasing itsnegative charge. Hair and dust particles are positively charged and arethus attracted to the sheet.

It should be appreciated that when a cleaning sheet is used incombination with a cleaning solution, an absorbent layer (notillustrated) may also be employed with the scrubbing layer in order toabsorb liquids. Of course, thicker liquid absorbing sheets could also beused if desired. For example, a microfiber sheet with an internal spongelayer could be employed. Alternatively, a cleaning sheet having anabsorbent layer can be wetted with a cleaning solution prior toinstallation on the support plate. This will ensure that the cleaningsolution is deposited on the surface being cleaned and the scrubbinglayer can remove additional material from the surface being cleaned.Whether the cleaning sheet is used with a cleaning solution (i.e., in awet state) or without cleaning solution (i.e., in a dry state) thecleaning sheet will, in addition to removing particulate matter,facilitate other functions, such as polishing, dusting, and buffing thesurface being cleaned. It is also conceivable that packets of pre-wettedcleaning sheets could be sold by a merchant to the customer for use withthe cleaning device of the present invention. When each sheet becomesdirty, it is simply discarded and replaced by a new, clean one.

As previously discussed, a problem that exists with cleaning implementsemploying cleaning sheets is that the cleaning sheets cannot effectivelypick up or retain larger debris, such as granular material, larger dirtparticles, food crumbs, or pebbles or debris brought in from outdoors,etc. Thus, it would be convenient to have a vacuum source attached tothe cleaning implement to vacuum the larger particles that the cleaningsheet cannot effectively pick up.

Thus, in a first embodiment of the present invention, a stick-typevacuum cleaner is used in combination with the support plate andcleaning sheet. In this embodiment, the dirt collecting receptacle 18 isin the form of a dirt cup. As shown in FIG. 9, the dirt cup ispositioned within an opening or cavity 55 of the housing. The dirt cupis secured into place via a latch 56 or other fastening mechanism. Thedirt cup can be at least partially transparent and can be fabricatedfrom a thermoplastic material. The latch 56 releases a spring biased tab58 from a slot 70 formed in an open first end 72 of the dirt cup.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the dirt cup has open first end 72and a closed second end 76. A second tab 74 extends from second end 76of the dirt cup and engages in a corresponding cavity 78 in the housing.The latch assembly 56 facilitates the removable connection of the dirtcup to the housing. When the dirt cup is removed for cleaning, the userdepresses the latch causing the tab 58 to release from the slot 70 (bestshown in FIG. 7) in the dirt cup. Cleaning of the dirt cup entailsremoval of dirt from the dirt cup by lifting filter assembly 90 (FIG. 8)out of the dirt cup. This also allows cleaning of the filter medium orcloth or replacement of the filter assembly or the filter medium.

Referring to FIG. 7, an inlet 80 is formed in the second end of the dirtcup and communicates with an outlet 82 of the suction nozzle. An outlet81 is formed in the first end of the dirt cup which communicates with aninlet 83 to the suction fan and motor assembly. A flapper valve 86prevents the dirt in the dirt cup from falling back into the suctionnozzle outlet 82. The flapper valve can be made of rubber or anotherknown flexible material.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a filter assembly 90 is removably attached tothe dirt cup first end 72. The filter assembly includes a filter cage 92upon which a filter medium 94 is mounted. In this embodiment, the filtermedium can be made of a porous cloth or similar conventional materialwhich can be glued or otherwise secured to the cage. The filter cageincludes an end wall 96 on a first end thereof and an open frame 98 at asecond end thereof. A filter gasket (not illustrated) can be disposedabout a periphery of the upper surface of end 96. A gasket wouldfunction to seal the dirt cup cavity. Alternatively, the material of thefilter cage 92 can be flexible enough to serve a gasket function forsealing the filter cage against an inner wall 91 of the dirt cup. Theend wall 96 of the filter cage is keyed, as at 93, to insure that thecage can be mounted to the dirt cup 18 only in one orientation. Therecess forming the key 93 accommodates the slot 70 of the dirt cup asshown in FIG. 7. The end wall 96 also includes a centrally positionedopening 97 (see also FIG. 7) through which air cleaned by the filter canflow out of the open end 81 of the dirt cup.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a conduit 100, in the form of a flexible hosein the preferred embodiment, extends between and connects the outlet ofthe suction nozzle 10 to the inlet 80 of the dirt cup. A first end 102of the hose connects to the suction nozzle, a central portion 101extends through an aperture 103 in the base plate 67 of the universaljoint and a second end 104 connects to the dirt cup inlet via housinginlet 118 (FIG. 9).

Referring again to FIG. 10, the suction nozzle 10 is pivotably connectedto the support plate via a pair of spaced apart arms 106, 108 whichextend from a rear end 110 of the nozzle. The arms 106, 108 each have ahole 112, 114 respectively through which pins 50 extend to rotatablysecure the suction nozzle to the support plate. With reference now toFIG. 5, each of the arms has a pair of adjacent concave sections 116,117 defined in a lower surface thereof. The sections can each engage orride upon a resilient detent 119, 120 provided on respective sides ofthe support plate top surface 21. The detents can snap into respectiveslots 121, 122 located on the top surface 21 of the support plate. Thesuction nozzle is manually pivoted or rotated to one of two positions, a“down” or operating position, shown in FIG. 3 and an “up” ornon-operating position, shown in FIG. 5. The sections ride along thedetents until the suction nozzle is locked into one of the twopositions. In the operating position, the suction nozzle issubstantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned for vacuuming. Thenon-operating position enables the support plate and cleaning sheet toclean a surface without the nozzle interfering with or blocking accessto the surface to be cleaned. Also, the sheet 30 can, if dirty, beremoved and replaced when the nozzle is in the up position.

With reference again to FIG. 6, the hose 100 is positioned adjacent, andcan be seated within, a curved portion 124 of the support plate 20. Thehose is also bent or curved to extend from an approximately horizontalorientation adjacent the outlet of the suction nozzle to anapproximately vertical orientation adjacent inlet 118 (FIG. 9) of thehousing. As shown in FIG. 7, inlet 118 is positioned adjacent inlet 80of the dirt cup. The hose extends through the universal joint assemblyas best seen in FIGS. 6 and 10.

When the vacuum cleaner is in use, the air follows a short and efficientflow path. Referring again to FIG. 7, dirt laden air is drawn in througha suction inlet 126 of the suction nozzle and moves up through thesuction nozzle, and out the suction nozzle outlet 102 (FIG. 6) into theconduit or flexible hose 100. The dirt laden air is then drawn throughthe hose and into the inlet 118 of the housing to the inlet duct 80 ofthe dirt cup. A seal (not illustrated) can provide an effective sealbetween the conduit and the inlet duct of the dirt cup. The air is thendrawn up into the dirt cup through the valve 86 and enters the dirt cupcavity. Heavier dirt particles fall by gravity down towards a base wall127 of the dirt cup. Lighter particles are drawn up towards the filtercloth 94 as the air is pulled into the interior via the filter assembly.The filter medium or cloth traps smaller dirt particles that have notfallen to the base of the dirt cup. These, then either fall towards thebase wall 127 or are held in or on the filter medium.

Substantially clean air is then drawn into the interior of the filterassembly and passes through the dirt cup outlet 81 via opening 97 in thefirst end wall 96 of the filter cage. Once air passes through the outletand enters the suction fan 16 through fan inlet 83, clean air is thenblown into the motor chamber, across the motor assembly and out throughvents 130 (FIGS. 3 and 11) defined in the housing. The filter assembly,the exhaust duct of the dirt cup, the fan inlet, and the suction fan andmotor assembly can all be aligned along a longitudinal axis to promoteefficient air flow. The entire housing 12 can be made from a suitableconventional thermoplastic material if desired.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, to operate the suction fan and motorassembly 16, an assembly switch 140 is provided on one of the handle andthe motor housing. In one embodiment, the switch is located on thehandle. The switch assembly includes a button 142 located on the grip 38of the handle 40. The button 142 is manually depressed to activate amicro switch 144 in the housing. A linkage connects the button 142 tothe microswitch 144. The linkage can include a first elongated rod 146and a second elongated rod 147 which extend in an end to endrelationship through handle 40. By using a pair of elongated rods, alongwith spring assemblies 148, 149, no electrical power is lost between themicroswitch 144 and the motor assembly. Button 142 is depressed which inturn moves rod 146 and rod 147 thus depressing microswitch 144. Themicroswitch completes a circuit which in turn powers the suction fan andmotor assembly. The switch assembly thus operably connects the manuallyaccessible button 142 to the microswitch 144 within the housing forpowering the suction fan and motor assembly. The switch 140 can bespring biased to an “off” position by springs 148 and 149. Thus, whenthe user manually depresses the switch to an “on” position, the circuitis completed and power is provided to the suction fan and motor causingthem to operate. The switch however only provides momentary operation ofthe suction fan and motor and as soon as the user stops depressing theswitch button it is biased back to the “off” position and the suctionfan and motor are shut off.

If desired, a battery pack 152 (FIG. 7) can be used to provide power tothe suction fan and motor. The suction fan and motor 16 produce asuction air flow when the button 142 is depressed.

Alternatively, the switch 140 can be of a conventional “rocker” type, inwhich the switch is clicked to either an “on” position or an “off”position. In this embodiment, to operate the suction fan and motor,switch 140 is depressed or moved to the “on” position and then clicks orlocks into place, thus providing continuous operation of the suction fanand motor assembly. To shut off the suction fan and motor assembly, theswitch would be depressed to an “off” position and clicks or locks intoplace. This prevents any further operation of the suction fan motoruntil the switch is again depressed.

Referring now to FIG. 12, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention, a pocket 160 can be provided on a rear portion of a housing12′ for accommodating extra cleaning sheets 30′. Also, alternatingcurrent (AC) can be provided via a power cord 154 to a suction fan andmotor and switch assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 19A, a suction nozzle 10′ can include awiper blade 165, which extends along a length of the suction nozzlebehind a suction opening thereof, for wiping the surface to be cleanedof liquids or solid particles disposed on the surface. The blade 165also protects a cleaning sheet (not shown) which is attached to asupport plate 20′, by blocking larger particles of debris fromcontacting the cleaning sheet, thus preventing abrasions or tearing ofthe cleaning sheet.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, a caddy 162 can be clippedor otherwise secured onto a handle 40″ mounted on a housing 12″ via aclip 164. The caddy can accommodate extra cleaning sheets. Referring toFIGS. 20 and 20A, in this embodiment, a suction nozzle 10″ can include abristle tuft assembly 166 having a series of tufts 167 extending along alength of the suction nozzle. The tufts help sweep particles of debrisfrom the surface to be cleaned and prevent debris from contacting acleaning sheet (not shown) attached to a support plate 20″ which couldcause damage to the cleaning sheet, such as abrasions or tearing.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a cleaning solution distribution system 170can be selectively mounted on a vacuum cleaner of the type shown inFIGS. 1-11. The cleaning solution distribution system can include acleaning solution bottle 172 containing a cleaning solution 174, and aremovable cap 176. The cap 176 can be threadably secured to the bottleand is used to add cleaning solution to the bottle. If desired, the capcan also include a control for a conventional valve system (not shown)that selectively allows a flow of the cleaning solution 174 out of thebottle 172. To this end, a tube 178 has a first end 179 connected to anend 180 of the bottle. A second end 181 of the tube is connected to asprayer head 182 which sprays or discharges the cleaning solution onto asurface to be cleaned. The bottle can be selectively snapped onto ahandle 190 of the vacuum cleaner, directly above a housing 192 thereof.To this end, a longitudinally extending groove 194 can be located on arear side of the bottle 172. The sprayer head 182 can be adhesively orotherwise secured to a nozzle 196 of the vacuum cleaner. A dirt cup 198of the vacuum cleaner can be removed from the housing 192 by pushing thehose 178 out of the way or by simply unsnapping the bottle 172 from thehandle 190.

Alternatively, a siphoning pump or a valve (not shown) can be connectedto a trigger (not shown) on grip 38 to control the flow of cleaningsolution from the bottle to the sprayer head. The cleaning solution issprayed in front of the suction nozzle 196. A suitable cleaning sheet(not shown) having an absorbent layer attached to an outer layer, as isknown in the art, can absorb most of the cleaning solution. In addition,it is possible that some of the solution can be suctioned by the suctionnozzle and deposited within the dirt cup 198.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a portablehand held vacuum cleaner can be selectively mounted to a conventionalcleaning implement. Referring to FIG. 15, a hand held vacuum cleaner Cincludes a housing 210 having a first end 212 and a second end 214. Asuction nozzle or head 216 is selectively connected to the housing firstend 212 via a conduit such as a flexible hose 218. A dirt cup orcontainer 220 is detachably mounted on the housing. The conduit extendsfrom an outlet of the suction nozzle 216 to an inlet of the dirt cup.The suction nozzle further comprises a suction inlet 222. The internalconfiguration of a hand-held vacuum cleaner of this type is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,347,428 which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

As is known, a suction motor and fan are mounted within the housing. Afilter assembly is mounted adjacent the dirt cup to filter air before itexits the dirt cup and flows into the motor/fan assembly. Outlet slots224 are provided on the housing for allowing air to be exhausted fromthe housing and providing ventilation and pulling of air for the suctionmotor. A switch 226 is provided on a handle 228 of the hand-held cleanerfor selectively powering the motor/fan assembly. The dirt cup can befabricated from a transparent thermoplastic material to enable the userto see the dirt and debris being collected in the dirt container.

The hand-held cleaner C can be attached to a handle 230 of aconventional cleaning implement such as the SWIFFER™ product, sold byProcter & Gamble, via a strap 232 or other fastening means such as ahook and loop fasteners or a clip. As mentioned, the SWIFFER™ implementis described in detail in U.S. Patent Application PublicationUS2002/0050016 A1. The suction nozzle 216 can be clipped onto a supportplate 237 of the cleaning implement by two clips 234 which have anupwardly turned gripping tab 236 and have projecting members (such as at238 in FIG. 16A). The projecting members can be used in two ofattachment structures 239 on the support plate. A cleaning sheet (notshown) is wrapped around the support plate 237 and then the suctionnozzle is clipped onto the support plate.

With reference now to FIG. 16, in still yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, a conventional vacuum cleaner D can be selectivelymounted on a handle 230′ of a conventional cleaning product. To thisend, a housing 250 of the vacuum cleaner can include a longitudinallyextending groove 252 on a rear side thereof for selectivelyaccommodating a portion of the handle 230′. The housing would be clippedabove a universal joint 254 that connects a support plate 237′ to thehandle 230′. Connected to the housing 250, via a conduit 258, is asuction nozzle 260. The suction nozzle 260 can be clipped onto thesupport plate 232′ with clips 262. These can have two projecting members238 per clip (See FIG. 16A). In this embodiment, a cleaning sheet (notshown) is mounted to the support plate 237′ via clips 239′ and then theprojecting members 238 are pushed through the clips 239′, trapping thesheet in place and securing the suction nozzle to the support plate.When the sheet needs to be replaced because it is dirty, the clips 262are first removed. Then, the sheet can be detached from the clips 239′of the support plate. In this embodiment, a removable battery pack 270(FIG. 16B), such as the VERSAPAK™ product sold by Black & Decker, can beinserted into a slot 272 in housing 250 and provides power to thesuction fan and motor assembly within housing 250. Two such batterypacks 270 are shown. These can be removed from slots 272 and rechargedas necessary.

With reference now to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a vacuum cleaner including a housing 300 having adirt cup 302 mounted thereon. A conduit 304 extends between the housing300 and a suction nozzle 306. The housing has a longitudinally extendinggroove 312 on a rear side thereof for selectively accommodating aportion of the handle 318. The housing is clipped above a universaljoint 319 that connects a cleaning pad 310 to the handle 318.

The suction nozzle can be clipped onto the cleaning pad 310 with clips308. These can have two projecting members (of the type shown in FIG.16A) per clip. A cleaning sheet (not shown) is mounted to the cleaningpad via clips 309 and their projecting members are pushed through clips309, securing the cleaning sheet in place and securing the suctionnozzle to the cleaning pad.

In this embodiment, for recharging, the housing 300 is selectivelydetached from the handle 318 and mounted onto a wall-mounted charger 320which has electrical contacts (not shown) which recharge a battery packor other power source (not shown) located within the housing 300.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a still further embodiment of a vacuum cleaneraccording to the present invention is shown. A portable hand-heldcleaner E includes a housing 400, having a first end 402 and a secondend 404. The first end 402 can have a slot (not shown) for selectivelyreceiving a detachable suction head 406 having a suction opening 408.Alternatively, the head 406 can be permanently mounted to the housing400. A conduit 410 such as a flexible hose, connects the suction head tothe housing. A suction fan and motor assembly (not shown) are mountedwithin housing 400. A dirt cup 412 is removably attached to a rearportion of the housing.

At least one stem 420 extends from an underside of the housing forconnecting a support plate 422 to the housing via a joint 424. The jointcan be a universal joint or another suitable joint for this purpose.Stem 420 has a flange 426 which is mounted to a fork 428 of the joint.The fork 428 is interconnected with the support plate and pivotallysecures the support plate to the housing. Clips 430 secure a cleaningsheet (not shown) to the support plate 422.

The invention has been described with reference to several preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1.-49. (canceled)
 50. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base member; asuction nozzle disposed on said base member; a housing pivotablyconnected to said base member; a suction fan and motor assembly mountedto said housing; a dirt collecting receptacle mounted to said housingand in fluid communication with said suction nozzle and said suction fanand motor assembly; and, a cleaning sheet mounted to said base member,said base member selectively holding said cleaning sheet for collectingdust and debris from a surface to be cleaned, wherein said cleaningsheet is located behind said suction nozzle.
 51. The vacuum cleaner ofclaim 50, further comprising a filter mounted on said dirt collectingreceptacle.
 52. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base supporting a suctionopening; a housing pivotally connected to said base; a suction fan andmotor assembly mounted to said housing; a dirt collecting receptaclemounted to said housing and in fluid communication with said suctionopening and said suction fan and motor assembly; a filter mounted tosaid dirt collecting receptacle; a cleaning pad mounted to said base forcollecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned; and a handleextending from said housing.
 53. The vacuum cleaner of claim 52, whereinsaid filter comprises a filter bag.
 54. The vacuum cleaner of claim 52,wherein said dirt collecting receptacle comprises a dirt cup.
 55. Thevacuum cleaner of claim 54, wherein said dirt cup comprises an inlet andan outlet, wherein said inlet communicates with an outlet of saidsuction nozzle and said dirt cup outlet communicates with an inlet ofsaid suction fan and motor assembly.
 56. The vacuum cleaner of claim 54,further comprising a latch for selectively securing said dirt cup tosaid housing.
 57. The vacuum cleaner of claim 52, further comprising apower source supported by one of said base and housing for powering saidsuction fan and motor assembly.
 58. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base;a suction nozzle positioned adjacent a front portion of said base andsupported thereby; a housing pivotably connected to said base; a suctionfan and motor assembly mounted to said housing; a dirt collectingreceptacle mounted to said housing and in fluid communication with saidsuction nozzle and said suction fan and motor assembly; a filtersupported by said dirt collecting receptacle; a cleaning sheet mountedon said base for collecting dust and debris from a surface to becleaned; and a sprayer supported by one of said base and said housing.59. The vacuum cleaner of claim 58, further comprising a cleaningsolution container supported by one of said base and said housing. 60.The vacuum cleaner of claim 59, further comprising a fluid conduitconnecting said cleaning solution container to said sprayer.
 61. Thevacuum cleaner of claim 60, further comprising a control for selectivelyactuating said sprayer.
 62. The vacuum cleaner of claim 58, furthercomprising a handle extending from said housing.
 63. The vacuum cleanerof claim 58, further comprising a power switch located on said housingfor controlling operation of said suction fan and motor assembly.
 64. Avacuum cleaner base comprising: a base selectively holding a cleaningsheet; a housing pivotally mounted to said base; a suction fan and motorassembly mounted to said housing; a dirt collecting receptacle mountedto said housing; and a suction nozzle supported by said housing, whereinsaid cleaning sheet is spaced from said suction nozzle.
 65. The vacuumcleaner of claim 64, further comprising a latch supported by said dirtcollecting receptacle for selectively securing said dirt collectingreceptacle to said housing.
 66. The vacuum cleaner of claim 64, furthercomprising a power switch for controlling operation of the suction fanand motor assembly.
 67. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a base including asuction nozzle; a housing pivotably connected to said base; a suctionfan and motor assembly mounted to said housing; a dirt collectingreceptacle mounted to said housing and in fluid communication with saidsuction nozzle and said suction fan and motor assembly; a filter mountedon said dirt collecting receptacle; a handle extending from said housingfor grasping to move said vacuum cleaner along a surface to be cleaned;a switch for providing at least momentary operation of said suction fanand motor assembly; and, a cleaning sheet mounted on said base forcollecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.
 68. The vacuumcleaner of claim 67, wherein said switch is located on said housing. 69.The vacuum cleaner of claim 67, further comprising a source ofelectrical power operatively connected to said switch for operating saidsuction fan and motor assembly.
 70. A cleaning device having twoseparate and distinct selective modes of operation, which include afirst mode of operation comprising suctioning debris from a surface tobe cleaned, and a second mode of operation comprising use of a cleaningpad to collect dust and debris from the surface to be cleaned, saidcleaning device comprising: a housing; a suction fan and motor assemblymounted to said housing; a dirt collecting receptacle mounted to saidhousing; a base pivotably mounted to said housing, wherein said base ispivotable in relation to said housing; a suction nozzle disposed on saidbase and communicating with said suction fan and motor assembly and saiddirt receptacle for performing said first mode of operation, and whereinsaid base selectively holds a cleaning pad for performing said secondmode of operation; and a filter bag supported by said dirt collectingreceptacle.
 71. The vacuum cleaner of claim 70, further comprising afastening member for selectively securing said cleaning pad to saidbase.
 72. The vacuum cleaner of claim 70, further comprising a latchsupported by said dirt collecting receptacle for selectively fasteningsaid dirt collecting receptacle to said housing.
 73. A vacuum cleanercomprising: a housing; a suction fan and motor mounted to said housing;a first cleaning implement and a second cleaning implement supported bya base pivotably connected to said housing; a dirt collecting receptaclemounted to said housing and in communication with said suction fan andmotor assembly; and, wherein said second cleaning implement comprises acleaning sheet selectively secured to said base.
 74. The vacuum cleanerof claim 73, further comprising a filter supported by said dirtcollecting receptacle.
 75. The vacuum cleaner of claim 73, wherein saidfirst cleaning implement comprises a suction nozzle.
 76. The vacuumcleaner of claim 73, wherein said cleaning sheet comprises a microfibermaterial.